Opening Lead: Q

Bidding commentary:

As North, after an opposing takeout double, any jump by the responder (you) is preemptive. Don’t worry about partnerhaving three diamonds. That will be the case about 5% of the time. Do not play for exceptions! Would you rather be right 5% or 95% of the time? As East, your double, called “responsive,” is for takeout after partner makes a takeout double and the opponents support each other. Your double shows the ability to play in hearts and spades plus 7-10 high-card points. As West, after partner makes a responsive double, bid the full value of your hand. 3 is plenty. As East, you have told your story with your double and if all partner can do is bid 3, call it a day.

Defensive commentary:

As South, before blindly playing the 8 to encourage partner, check dummy to see if you want some other suit more than diamonds. Your eyes should come to rest upon your clubs. A club shift would be great, so play a low diamond asking for a shift, usually to dummy’s shorter side suit. If partner shifts to the J and declarer plays low from dummy, win the Q, cash the ace and lead a low diamond to partner’s known jack to get a club ruff. Nice defense.

Defensive commentary #2:

As West, if North shifts to the J at trick two, play low from dummy. The bidding marks South with the A Q, and it may be doubleton!